“These probably aren’t words that you were expecting to see in the same sentence — Harvard Business School and empathy. But as I reflect back on my time as a student there, I’ve begun to realize that more than anything else, this is one of the the most valuable things that the school teaches.

It starts on day one. You’re put into a “section” with 90 incredibly smart folks, people with whom you quickly become good friends. Then the moment arrives when you step into class, prepared for a case discussion with what you’re sure is the right answer — but just before you’re able to stick your hand up and get in on the discussion, a good friend — someone who you deeply respect and admire — jumps in to the conversation with an opinion that’s exactly the opposite of yours. And it begins to dawn on you…that what they’ve expressed is right.”